Where to go on holiday in September

Where to go on holiday in September?

In the words of the great poet John Keats autumn is the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness in our islands, when the summer is well and truly over and temperatures begin to drop. This summer has for the most part been something of a washout, so many of us will be desperate for some warmth and sunshine.

Well look no further, help is at hand because September is one of the best months to take an overseas break. Local and foreign holidaymakers who flock to the popular Mediterranean beaches in August will have gone as the children return to school and the sea will be alluringly warm as you feel the benefit of months of sunshine.

Although there may be the odd day when it rains, for the most part you will be able to relax on the beach and eat al fresco both during the day and at night. With destinations being less busy it also means you are unlikely to have to book a table except at the most popular restaurants. Because demand is lower than over the summer, hotels and other accommodation costs also come down, so you’re much more likely to bag a bargain.

Best destinations to visit in September

If history is your thing, walking around an atmospheric ancient site in Turkey, Italy or Greece is much more pleasant in lower temperatures with less visitors, and hiking through the valleys and woods of the Pyrenees and Dolomites is lovely at this time of year. When planning a trip abroad always check your travel insurance policy for hiking or activity restrictions.

In terms of destinations, why not try Southern Italy with the lovely beaches of Apulia and the stunning resort of Tropea? The Greek mainland is often overlooked in favour of its islands, but the Peloponnese in the south is well worth a visit and if you fancy a Greek island a little out of the ordinary, head to the thickly wooded Thassos, in the northern Aegean. The Cote d’Azur in southern France not only offers sophistication and glamour but is also surprisingly good value for money and there are truly stunning islands just a short ferry ride from Cannes and Nice.

Further afield September is a great month to visit South-east Asia with temperatures in Thailand and Vietnam much more manageable, and it is one of the best months to visit South Africa with its awesome landscapes and wildlife, plus some of the best value and highest quality food you can eat.

September is also an ideal time to take a city break and so why not try somewhere a little different such as Salamanca and Toledo in Spain, Urbino or Macerata in Italy and the lovely historic towns in Bavaria in Southern Germany with truly idyllic countryside.

Remember to take out travel insurance

As always, one of the first things you should do once you’ve decided on your destination and your local travel agent as an invaluable source of inspiration and guidance, is to book good quality travel insurance. Circumstances can change without warning and if you have to cancel due to you or one of your close family falling ill before you travel, check your policy will cover any cancellation fees. Remember if you have a pre-existing medical condition to let the insurance company know. Get a quote to protect your holiday now